As part of the Fed’s year-long review of its monetary policy strategy, tools and communications practices, the St. Louis Fed is assembling members of its six advisory councils, representing a geographically and industry-diverse group of stakeholders.

Fall 2005

In This Edition

Employment growth is one of the most fundamental aspects of a strong economy. Yet not all jobs are created equal. Some pay generously and offer desirable working conditions, while others do not. A study by Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis economist Christopher H. Wheeler examined the growth of high-paying ("good") and low-paying ("bad") jobs across a sample of 206 metropolitan areas in the United States. This study suggests that the nature of jobs held by workers influences a variety of economic and social outcomes.